Residential condensed vapor collection system and method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes related generally to water conservation systems and more specifically to water vapor recovery systems. In some embodiments the system and apparatus can comprise a collection component coupled with an elongate collection member, a support member and a storage vessel. In some embodiments, the support member can be configured to selectively and/or fixedly couple with the exterior of a structure. However, in alternate embodiments the system and apparatus can be configured to be free standing.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority to prior-filed Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61749803, filed Jan. 7, 2013, the complete contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present device relates to the field of “green technology,” particularly vapor, and water recovery systems for water conservation.

2. Background

Recovery of liquid vapor is commonly used in such devices as stills. In these devices, a collection surface is provided upon which vaporized liquid can condense. The liquid is then channeled to a storage container.

In many regions, water conservation is critical to the environment. Collecting ambient water vapor can provide an additional source of water. In residential settings, this could be used for watering plants and other uses. Collectively, several households could contribute to significant water savings in a community. What is needed is a simple and convenient vapor-collection device for use in residential settings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details of the present device are explained with the help of the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1( a) depicts a perspective view of the present device in use atop a roofline.

FIG. 1( b) depicts a side planar view of the present device to illustrate the angle of inclination of the substantially planar surface.

FIG. 1( c) depicts a detail cutaway perspective view of the interior of a collection unit in the present device.

FIGS. 2( a)-2(b) depict embodiments of attachment mechanisms.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a collection member.

FIGS. 4( a)-4(b) depict embodiments of connections between a collection member and a support member

FIGS. 5( a)-5(d) depict embodiments of extension/retraction mechanisms

FIGS. 6( a)-6(b) depict embodiments of coupling mechanisms between a support member and a storage vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1( a), a vapor collection apparatus 102 can comprise a flexible substantially-planar component 104 that can be attached to a substantially-rigid frame 106, an elongated collection member 108, and can be coupled with an elongated support member 110, a storage vessel 112, at least one mounting bracket 116 and, in some embodiments an extension/retraction mechanism 118.

In some embodiments, the substantially-planar component 104 can be a singular unit or multi-sectional element comprised of one or more flexible, substantially flexible, substantially-rigid or rigid materials, such as, but not limited to, polymer, nylon, metal and/or any other know and/or convenient material or materials. In some embodiments, the substantially-planar component 104 can have a substantially rectangular geometry, but in alternate embodiments the substantially planar component 104 can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. In some embodiments, the substantially-planar component 104 can be fabricated from nylon, polymer, metal and/or any other known and/or convenient material upon which water can freely slide under the influence of gravity, yet still maintain sufficient surface tension to remain in contact with the surface of 106. Additionally, in some embodiments, the substantially-planar may be substantially planar in non-Euclidean space.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1( a), the substantially-rigid frame 106 can be fabricated as a continuous member. However in alternate embodiments, the substantially-rigid frame 106 can be fabricated from and/or in multiple component parts that can be connected with screws, pins, clips, friction-fit, or any other known and convenient type of fastener or fasteners and/or any known and/or convenient bonding agent.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1( a), an elongated collection member 108 can extend substantially along and be attached to the bottom edge of a substantially-planar collection component 104. In alternate embodiments, the elongated collection member 108 can be integral and/or coupled with the substantially-rigid frame 106 adjacent to the bottom edge of a flexible substantially-planar component 104, and/or integral and/or coupled with the bottom edge of the flexible substantially-planar component 104 and/or can be coupled with the vapor collection apparatus 102, but independent from at least one of the substantially-rigid frame 106 and/or the flexible substantially-planar component 104.

As depicted in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1( a), an elongated collection member 108 can have an “open-top” trough configuration, with one edge of said “open top” adjacent to the bottom edge of a substantially planar collection component 104, and a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional geometry. However, in other embodiments, an elongated collection member 108 can have a rounded, rectangular, any other known and/or convenient cross-sectional geometry. An elongated collection member 108 can be fabricated from metal, plastic, polymer or any other known and/or convenient water-impermeable material upon which water can freely slide under the influence of gravity. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1( a), the elongated collection member 108 can have be sloped and/or configured at any desired angle or in any desired configuration such that water can flow, as desired, in response to gravity.

As shown in FIG. 1( a), in some embodiments, a substantially planar collection component 104 can be attached by one edge proximal to the distal end of an elongated support member 110, such that an elongated collection member 108 and coincident bottom edge of a substantially planar collection component 104 are slightly inclined relative to the perpendicular to an elongated support member 110. As shown in FIG. 1( b), an elongated collection member 108 and coincident bottom edge of a substantially planar collection component 104 can form an angle relative to the perpendicular to elongated support member 110. In some embodiments they can form of approximately 2% relative to the perpendicular to an elongated support member 110, but in other embodiments can have any other known and/or convenient angle and/or configuration, such as any angle between about 0.1 degrees relative to horizontal and 180 degrees relative to horizontal.

In alternate embodiments, this drainage angle can be set by making the substantially-rigid frame 106 trapezoid shaped if the elongated collection member 108 is attached to the substantially-rigid frame 106. Alternatively, if the elongated collection member 108 is attached to the substantially planar collection component 104, it can be trapezoid shaped. In still further alternate embodiments the substantially rigid frame 106 can have any known, convenient and/or desired configuration such that collected water vapor can travel towards the support member 110 under the influence of gravity.

In some embodiments, an elongated support member 110 can be adjustable. In such embodiments, a motorized or manual mechanical linkage can provide a control mechanism. An elongated support member 110 can be fabricated from metal, polymer, or any other known and/or convenient corrosion-resistant material upon which water can freely slide under the influence of gravity, yet still maintain sufficient surface tension to remain in contact with the surface.

As shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1( a), the proximal end of an elongated support member 110 can be connected to the interior base of a storage vessel 112 via a coupling member 114. In some embodiments, a storage vessel 112 can have a substantially cylindrical geometry, but in other embodiments can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. An elongated support member 110 and coupling member 114 can be positioned substantially in the center of the base of a storage vessel 112. However, in other embodiments, a coupling member 114 can be positioned in any other known and/or convenient location on the interior or other connection location of a storage vessel 112. In some embodiments the storage vessel 112 can comprise a cover 122 that covers at least part of the top opening of the storage vessel 112. In some embodiments the cover 122 can be comprised of the same material as the storage vessel 112. However, in alternate embodiments the cover 122 can be comprised of any known, convenient and/or desired material.

In some embodiments the cover 122 can be a rigid and/or substantially rigid element. However, in alternate embodiments, the cover 122 can be a flexible and/or substantially flexible membrane. In still further alternate embodiments, the cover 122 can be comprised of a material that allows water to pass through it in only one direction and can be coupled with the exterior surface of the support member 110. However, in alternate embodiments the cover 122 can be comprised of any known, convenient and/or desired material, can be partially coupled to and/or disengaged from the support member 110 and/or be absent.

In some embodiments, a coupling member 114 can be a clamp, but in other embodiments can be a friction-fit coupling or any other known and/or convenient device.

In some embodiments, the present device can further comprise at least one mounting bracket 116 suitable and/or adapted to and/or configured for attaching the vapor collection apparatus to a structure. In some embodiments, the at least one mounting bracket 116 can be adapted and/or configured to couple with a substantially vertical surface. However, in alternate embodiments the at least one mounting bracket 116 can be adapted and/or configured to couple with any desired component of a structure and/or may be absent and the vapor collection apparatus can be free standing.

In some embodiments the vapor collection apparatus 102 can further comprise an extension/retraction mechanism 118 adapted and/or configured to allow a user to control the relative elevation of the substantially-rigid frame 106 and substantially-planar component 104. In some embodiments, the extension/retraction mechanism can be a telescoping button-hole connector mechanism. However in alternate embodiments, motor and/or hydraulic extension/retraction mechanism can be employed. In still further alternate embodiments, any known and/or convenient mechanism adapted and/or configured to control the relative elevation of the substantially-rigid frame 106 and substantially-planar component 104 can be employed.

FIG. 2( a) depicts an embodiment of a mounting bracket 116 adapted to selectively and/or fixedly couple the support member 110 with a structure and/or surface. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2( a), the mounting bracket 116 can comprise one or more surface attachment components 202 and at least one support member attachment 204. In some embodiments the one or more surface attachment components 202 can comprise one or more apertures adapted to allow any known and/or convenient fastener to pass through the attachments component 202 to couple the mounting bracket 116 with the desired structure and/or surface. However, in alternate embodiments the one more apertures may be absent and/or the attachment components can be coupled with a structure and/or surface via a bonding agent and/or any other known, convenient and/or desired mechanism.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2( a) the depicted support member attachment 204 can be configured along an arc having a low point. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2( a) the low point of the arc can be substantially centrally located between the attachment components.

However, in alternate embodiments the low point of the arc can be in any known, convenient and/or desired location. In still further alternate embodiments the support member attachment 204 can have any known convenient and/or desired configuration and/or geometric proportions and/or can be comprised of any known, convenient and/or desired material. Additionally, in some embodiments, a plurality of mounting brackets 116 can be employed.

FIG. 2( b) depicts an alternate embodiment of the mounting bracket 116 depicted in FIG. 2( a). In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2( b), the support member attachment 204 can be configured in a tapered cantilever-like configuration having a greater section modulus at the end closest to the surface attachment component. In operation, water, under the influence of gravity, could be directed along the support member attachment 202, as desired.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the collection member 108. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the collection member 108 can have a partially-circular cross-sectional exterior geometry. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, a portion of the collection component 104 can be engaged by one or more engagement arms 302 that selectively and/or fixedly engage the collection component 104. In some embodiments, the engagement arms 302 can extend the entire length of the collection member 108. However, in alternate embodiments the one more engagement arms 302 can be intermittent along the length of the collection member 108.

In some embodiments the one or more engagement arms 302 can engage the collection component 104 via frictional engagement at a pinch point 304. However in alternate embodiments, the one or more engagement arms 302 can be selectively and/or fixedly coupled with the collection component 104 in any known convenient and/or desired manner using any known convenient and/or desired coupling mechanism, system and/or material.

In operation, water collection on the collection component 104 can pass from the surface of the collection component 104 to the channel formed by the interior surface of the collection member 108 and/or the engagement arms 302, under the influence of gravity. Although a specific configuration of the one or more engagement arms 302 is depicted in FIG. 3, in alternate embodiments the one or more engagement arms 302 can have any known convenient and/or desired geometries and/or configurations and/or can be absent.

FIG. 4( a) depicts an embodiment of the connection between a collection member 108 and a support member 110. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4( a), the interior of the collection member 108 and the interior of the support member 110 can be coupled via an aperture 400 in the support member 110 allowing water to pass from the interior of the collection member 108 to the interior of the support member 110.

FIG. 4( b) depicts an alternate embodiment of the connection between a collection member 108 and a support member 110. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4( b), the interior of the collection member 108 and the exterior of the support member 110 can be configured to allows water to pass from the interior of the collection member 108 to the exterior of the support member 110 via at least one aperture 400 formed between the base of the proximal end of the collection member 108 and the exterior side of the support member 110.

Although FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b) depict specific embodiments of connections between the collection member 108 and the support member 110, in alternate embodiments any known convenient and/or desired configuration and/or connection between the collection member 108 and the support member 110 in which water can pass, under the influence of gravity, between the two elements can be employed.

FIGS. 5( a)-5(d) depict alternate embodiments of extension/retraction mechanisms 118. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5( a)-5(d), the support member 110 can be comprised of multiple sections 502 504 506 that can be selectively positioned relative to each other. In some embodiments, the relative positions of the multiple sections 502 504 506 can be configured via one or more collects 508 adapted and configured to selectively apply pressure to frictionally engage an alternate section 502 504 506 of the support member 110. In alternate embodiments, portions of the sections 502 504 506 can be threaded such that they can be selectively extended or retracted either manually or via a motor drive (not shown).

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5( a)-5(b), regions of the sections 502 504 506 can be tapered to facilitate the flow of water on the exterior of the support member 110, when under the influence of gravity. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5( c)-5(d), the sections 502 504 506 can be configured to allow water to pass on the interior of the sections 502 504 506 of the support member 110 and can be tapered in regions, if desired. In still further alternate embodiments any known, convenient and/or desired manual and/or powered and/or automated extension/retraction system can be employed.

FIGS. 6( a) and 6(b) depict cross-sectional, cut-away views of the storage vessel 112. In some embodiments the end of the support member 110 can be anchored to the base of the storage vessel 112 via a one or more supports 602 and a base plate 604. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6( a), a base plate 604 can be coupled with the base of the storage vessel 112 and comprise one or more supports 602 extending from the base plate 602 to support the end of the support member 110 and allow water to pass from the interior of the support member 110 to the interior of the storage vessel 112 and/or the exterior of the support member 110 to the interior fo the storage vessel 112. However in alternate embodiments, the one or more supports 602 and/or base plate 604 can be absent.

FIG. 6( b) depicts an alternate embodiment of the connection between the support member 110 and the storage vessel 112. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6( b), an end of the support member 110 within the storage vessel 112 can comprise one or more apertures that can allow water to transfer from the interior of the support member 110 to the interior of the storage vessel 112. In alternate embodiments the apertures can be absent.

In operation, the present device can be installed at an end or at any other known and/or convenient location on a roofline, using at least one mounting bracket 116, such that an elongated support member 110 and a substantially planar collection component 104 can be oriented substantially vertically. Ambient water vapor can condense along the surface of a substantially planar collection component 104. These condensed droplets can travel down the surface via gravity to an elongated collection member 108, and then continue travelling downward to the end of an elongated collection member 108 that can be adjacent to the surface of a support member 110.

Water droplets can then transfer to the surface and/or interior of a support member 110 and/or drain pipe attached to the support member 110 and continue down to the proximal end of a support member 110, where they can be collected in a storage vessel 112. In some embodiments, a storage vessel 112 can be removably connected to the proximal end of a support member 110 such that a collection vessel 112 can be conveniently removed to transfer the collected water to another location. In alternate embodiments, the storage vessel 112 can include a valve 120 to allow a user to selectively drain the collected water from the storage vessel 112.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A water vapor condensate collection device, comprising: a substantially planar collection component having a proximal edge, a distal edge, and an inferior edge; an elongated collection member having a proximal end and a distal end, attached to and having a length approximately that of the inferior edge of said substantially planar collection component; wherein the proximal edge of said substantially planar member is attached proximal to the distal end of an elongated support member such that an elongated collection member is inclined slightly relative to the perpendicular to an elongated support member and the proximal end of said collecting member is in proximity to the surface of said elongated support member; wherein the proximal end of said elongated support member is coupled to the internal base of a storage vessel via a coupling member. 